In a corporate world mesmerized by productivity gains, efficiency enhancers and cost-cutting, it might seem appropriate for in-house event teams to “go it alone” when it comes to corporate event planning and management. After all, we all know that the fewer folks involved, the faster decisions are made and we have all been taught the rules of the road when it comes to sticking to a budget. But what you may not know is, sometimes, this could actually be a recipe for spending more and delivering less. The complexities involved often reveal pitfalls and hidden costs that can turn a seemingly simple task into a logistical and financial nightmare. Want to know what to look out for? Here are the key challenges associated with DIY corporate event planning and management.

When budget season approaches, year-end and holiday parties start emerging into focus. Close behind are strategy retreats for executive and board teams. Your strategic retreat is a time for reassessing goals, evaluating what’s working, and updating your perspective on competitive risks and opportunities. Ensuring your team is on the same page, aligned, and proactively creating strategic plans in a collaborative framework is critical. So how do you maximize this opportunity for team brainstorming and ideation? Here are 3 of our top tips from decades in the event industry. Tried and tested pathways for cohesion, innovation and a touch of wonder.

If you’re hosting an executive retreat, something big is happening. Whether you're restructuring, brainstorming a new product direction, merging with another company, or focusing on executive teambuilding, you need to ensure that your retreat is meticulously planned around these developments and the dynamics within your team. Here are our three best recommendations for strategies aimed at delivering excellence at your next executive retreat.

With plenty of experience in private equity, the team at Metavent understand the importance of the annual partners meeting. Each and every year. This is THE meeting where the performance of your fund’s investments are tied back to the performance of your portfolio investments and everyone is held accountable. Investors are watching and you don’t want to miss a beat. Stressed just thinking about it? Don’t be! Here’s how you can skip all the worry and relax into your most important meeting of the year.

You need to pull out ALL the stops if you want to impress your VIPs, be they investors, clients, board members or partners. This is a high caliber group and they have been to MANY meetings, dinners, retreats and boondoggles. To create a VIP event that is truly unforgettable, it's essential to add unique and special touches that will leave a lasting impression. So how do you keep your VIP event fresh, unexpected, highly memorable and over deliver in spades? As an event planner, you must constantly seek innovative ways to ensure your event stands out. And here, we’re sharing some of our best-kept secrets for planning a VIP event that goes above and beyond… even for high flyers with even higher expectations.

Rolling out the red carpet for your VIPs is crucial for making them feel appreciated and valued. But that’s just one moment. At your next VIP event, it's important to keep them "front and center." You need to surprise, delight and nail the attention of your VIP guests at your next client event, investor meeting or board huddle — from beginning to end. The best way to do this? Make them the stars! By tapping into what makes THEM tick, you can showcase all their talents while keeping the excitement going at your event. Here are 4 expert tips to help you master VIP treatment beyond the red carpet…

Your VIPs (from your board members to your clients to your suppliers to your investors) want to know you care, really care, about their investment of time and effort in you. So show them! Here are three tips for making your VIPs feel as loved as they deserve at your VIP event. If you want to make your VIP service feel truly valuable, it's important to go above and beyond in your event planning. Not only should you be respectful of their time, but you should also strive to anticipate their every need and ensure they have a seamless, stress-free experience. Here are some tips from decades in the events industry to help you do just that...

A company picnic doesn’t have to be “blah, blah, BLAH”. Your goal is to create a complete juxtaposition to your office environment, get your team out into the fresh air, play some games and have some fun. Think beyond the picnic tables and BBQ pit! Company picnics in San Francisco are a fantastic way to reward and rejuvenate your team while building camaraderie and promoting teamwork. San Fran offers a myriad of options — from the beach to wine country, city parks, and local landmarks. Here are four winning recipes for a memorable picnic in SF, from corporates to startups and everyone in between…

Cocktail hour is an opportunity to build rapport with clients and colleagues alike. And us event professionals know it's so much more than just rapport. Cocktail hour’s a great time for networking, forging connections, and building meaningful relationships that endure. Making it vitally important your clients feel at ease and comfortable in your company and the bar you choose. Here are the key strategies that events industry insiders use to help impress clients during cocktail hour…

Have you recently closed a new venture round? Completed a merger? Inked a new relationship with a major business partner? Whatever the deal, it’s cause for rallying your team and CELEBRATING! But you’re an expert at closing deals, not throwing parties, so here are some helpful hints on what to do next...